Motorist Institute says ‘get on your bikes’

The Institute of Advanced Motorists has called for the UK to get on their bikes ahead of World Health Day tomorrow (Thursday April 7th).

The Department for Health recommends that people should take part in moderately intensive activity lasting 30 minutes at least five days a week, with cycling cited as one of the most effective forms of aerobic exercise.

Rising transport costs and fuel costs negating the impact of the fuel duty cut are more reasons for saddling up, the organisation said.

IAM cycling development manager Duncan Pickering said: “Cycling is great from both a personal, and a professional perspective. As well as being a great way to get out in the sunshine, it will even make you more productive -healthier staff are more alert and have greater concentration.”

The organisation offers its own cycle training aimed at businesse.s http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/iam-launches-new-corporate-cycle-training

Pickering’s tip for cyclists getting back on the road include:

-Give an unused bike an “MOT”. You can do this yourself or pay a cycle shop to do it. -Get poll position at the lights. Wait at the front – the box with a white cycle symbol shows you where. Never wait on left of lorries or buses. Make eye contact with drivers so they know you're there. If you can't get in front safely, wait behind. -Never undertake a large vehicle at a junction. Never cycle on the left or near the front of large vehicles especially at a junction where there’s a left turn – the driver can't see you. -Consider your road positioning. Keep a door width's space between you and parked cars. If the road is too narrow for a vehicle to pass you then it may be safest to ride in the middle of the lane and assert your position as a road user. -Make yourself visible. In dull or dark conditions you must have a white front light and red tail light. Wear something bright or reflective so you can be seen more easily. -Follow the rules of the road. Don't jump red traffic lights and don't cycle on the pavement unless it is signed as a shared path. Remember that pedestrians always have priority on shared paths and pedestrian crossings. Improve your confidence. If you feel the roads are a lot faster and busier than when you last cycled, invest in cycle training. This can really help you to understand how positioning and your riding style can make you safer and more visible. -Wear a helmet. But don’t assume this is enough to keep you safe. Ride defensively and always make the assumption that you may not have been seen.